Now in its fourteenth year, the index is designed as a benchmarking tool for employers to measure their progress on LGBT inclusion in the workplace. Participating employers demonstrate their work in 10 areas of employment policy and practice. Staff from across the organisation also complete an anonymous survey about their experiences.

In this year’s ranking, PwC is the highest placed accountancy firm in joint 33rd place, with KPMG at 35 and EY at 79. Deloitte is not ranked in the top 100.

The list is headed by the National Assembly for Wales, with law firm Pinsent Masons in second place. Stonewall received information from some 430 employers, and has included analysis of transgender inclusion for the first time.

Fiona Wilkinson, ICAEW vice president and chair of the ICAEW diversity advisory group, said: ‘Diversity is a powerful force for good. We know that businesses benefit from strong diversity and inclusion policies and practices that help both attract the best talent as well as a diverse range of clients.

‘I urge member firms to do more to promote equality and diversity in the workplace and, whatever their size, to consider applying to Stonewall’s Index.’

The Stonewall Workplace Equality Index is here.

Report by Pat Sweet